Title Analysis of Wind Force Coefficient Characteristics of Rooftop-Mounted Photovoltaic Panels
Authors 유장열(You, Jang-Youl) ; 박민우(Park, Min-Woo) ; 유기표(You, Ki-Pyo)
DOI https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.12.289
Page pp.289-300
ISSN 2733-6247
Keywords Wind Tunnel Test; Computational Fluid Dynamics; PV Panels; Roof-mounted; Wind Force Coefficient
Abstract The increasing use of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems requires reliable assessment of wind loads to ensure structural safety. This study investigates wind force coefficients of rooftop-mounted PV panels through wind tunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A scaled cubic building model with a 3-row, 2-column PV array was tested under 40 wind directions at tilt angles of 15°, 30°, and 45°. Results showed clear dependence on panel location and tilt angle. Edge panels, particularly in the third row, exhibited sharply increased normal force coefficients under 180° wind due to concentrated separation and updrafts. Comparison with the Korean Design Standard (KDS 41 12 00:2022) revealed that windward positive pressures were highly overestimated, with design values up to four times greater than experiments, whereas leeward suction loads were closer to or exceeded design values. CFD simulations using the SST k-ω model agreed well with experiments (correlation >0.9), reproducing stronger underside pressures in leeward conditions. The findings emphasize that leeward suction governs rooftop PV wind loading and support the need to refine current design standards.